Public service jobs get boost in budget

Federal public service jobs are set to rise over the coming year, as the government bolsters the number of foreign affairs and national security officials.

The federal budget reported average staffing levels across the bureaucracy would be 166,762 in 2019/20, up 1197 on the previous year (not including military and reserves).

The biggest gains would be in Home Affairs (up 1003), industry and science agencies (up 308) and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (up 285), while the agriculture department will take the biggest hit (down 231).

Military personnel numbers are expected to rise by 1425 over the year to 60,090 as the Australian Defence Force seeks to reach its 2016 defence white paper target.